The 2026 Lexington Stakes, the final Kentucky Derby prep race, takes place Saturday at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. While the winner earns 20 Derby qualifying points, none of the horses in this field currently have enough points to secure a Kentucky Derby spot even with a victory. However, the race remains significant as it could impact the Preakness Stakes lineup. Favorites include Ezum (2-1) and Confessional (7-2), with Corona de Oro and The Hell We Did also considered top contenders.

Horse racing expert Jeff Hochman, known for his 65.7% win rate during the 2025 summer season, has handicapped the Lexington Stakes field and made his picks. Notably, Hochman does not back the favorite Ezum as his top win bet due to the horse’s inconsistency despite a recent impressive win. Instead, Hochman favors an improving horse offering solid value and a longshot with a strong trainer and jockey combination. For detailed picks and betting strategies, Hochman’s full analysis is available on SportsLine.